Nowadays, more and more people are falling victim to scams. Of course, skimming is one of the most well-known scams, but what about the other scam methods?
Phisingmai
Nowadays, almost every household has a computer. Many matters are arranged via the internet, including banking matters. Payments can be made via telephone banking using codes. Now criminals are trying to get hold of these codes and username/password. They use the email service for this. People receive an email at home on behalf of the bank. A link has been added in this email that takes the customer to the bank’s website. However, the customer ends up on a counterfeit site. The email asks for confidential information such as telephone banking codes and a possible credit card number. These types of emails are very recognizable. They are often written in the English language and are full of language errors. The salutation is also very unprofessional (dear customer). Never respond to these emails, but delete them immediately. Never open the link. A bank will never request confidential information via email.
Exchange trick
Older people are often a bit slower at an ATM. They are also more easily distracted. The exchange trick is therefore often performed on the elderly. This form of scam works as follows: people want to withdraw money from an ATM. Suddenly a person shouts that there is 10 euros on the floor. Many people will respond to this by turning around and picking up the money. They then take their debit card from the ATM. They are not aware of any harm. In the meantime, the debit card has been exchanged for another debit card. The criminals copied the PIN code in advance. The criminals then withdraw the maximum amount from the ATM and make large purchases in stores. It is therefore very important not to react to the environment during a cash withdrawal. Complete the withdrawal completely and then go see what’s going on.
Telephone
This form of scam has been around for a while, but is currently very active again. A random person receives a call at home with the announcement that they have won a trip. This is delivered very professionally. All one has to do is pay a small amount. To pay this amount, you must provide your credit card number. A considerable amount is then debited from the credit card and it turns out that the trip won does not exist. Never respond to these calls or give out your credit card number over the phone.
Supermarkets
Elderly people are also often the victims of this form of scam. The moment the customer walks into the supermarket, the customer is monitored. When paying with the debit card, the PIN code is checked. They then steal the wallet from the bag. This is done so quickly that the customer does not notice anything. Always make sure that the PIN code is well protected and that the next customer is not too close. It is wise to keep a close eye on the bag when leaving the store.
At the door
A person comes to the door and keeps the resident talking. Meanwhile, an accomplice enters through the back door. The accomplice takes the payment card (or jewelry and money). Later, the resident is called to say that the debit card is about to expire and that it must be replaced. To gain trust, the card number is mentioned. All the resident needs to provide is the PIN code so that the card can be replaced. Never give away the PIN code. Not even to people in uniform. Lock the back door before opening the front door. If you do let a person in, it is wise not to leave this person alone.
Tips
Always make sure that there is no note with a PIN code (not even incorporated into a code) in the wallet. Do not put the wallet in a side pocket of the bag. Always screen the PIN code carefully and do not enter the PIN code with 1 finger.
It is important to be aware of a scammer’s actions. Hopefully in this way we can counter the scams and prevent a lot of suffering.